Explore Beijing’s Imperial Treasures
Discover the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Tiananmen Square — the ceremonial heart of China for over 500 years.
15 Days · 14 Nights · Group tour
China Grand
Rail Journey
Beijing · Chengdu · Zhangjiajie · Shanghai
At a glance
An epic 15-day rail journey
across China’s greatest contrasts
This 15-day grand rail journey takes you from the imperial heart of Beijing to the panda haven of Chengdu, through the surreal floating mountains of Zhangjiajie, and into the futuristic metropolis of Shanghai. Traveling primarily by China’s world-class high-speed rail network, you’ll experience the country’s incredible diversity — from ancient temples and giant pandas to Avatar-inspired landscapes and neon-lit skylines.
Highlights include walking the Great Wall, exploring the Forbidden City, visiting the Giant Panda Breeding Center in Chengdu, marveling at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (the inspiration for Avatar’s Hallelujah Mountains), and experiencing Shanghai’s dynamic energy. With expert guides, comfortable 4-star hotels, and a well-paced itinerary, this is the ultimate China rail adventure.
Duration15 Days / 14 Nights
Destinations4 cities
StyleGroup tour
Hotels4-star throughout
What makes this journey
Tour
highlights
Walk the Great Wall
Stand on one of humanity’s greatest structures and take in panoramic mountain views from the Badaling section.
Meet the Giant Pandas
Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Center to see these beloved national treasures in their naturalistic habitat.
Walk Among Floating Mountains
Enter Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, whose towering sandstone pillars inspired the landscapes of Avatar.
Experience Shanghai’s Skyline
Cruise the Huangpu River, visit the Oriental Pearl Tower, and walk The Bund for unforgettable city views.
Ride China’s World-Class Trains
Travel in comfort at speeds up to 350 km/h on China’s modern high-speed rail network between cities.
Day by day
The
itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Beijing
Meet your guide at Beijing Capital International Airport. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and enjoy time to rest after your journey.
- Day 2
Imperial Beijing
Visit the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City. End the day with a stroll along Wangfujing Street.
- Day 3
The Great Wall
Explore the Badaling Great Wall and walk its ancient ramparts. Later visit Olympic Park to see the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube.
- Day 4
Summer Palace & Hutong Life
Visit the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese garden design. Explore Beijing’s traditional hutong alleys by rickshaw and visit a local family.
- Day 5
High-speed Rail to Chengdu
Board a high-speed train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. Enjoy scenic countryside views during the journey. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time.
- Day 6
Giant Pandas & Sichuan Flavors
Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Center in the morning to see pandas at their most active. Afternoon explore Jinli Ancient Street and try authentic Sichuan hot pot.
- Day 7
Leshan Giant Buddha
Take a day trip to Leshan to see the world’s largest stone Buddha, carved into a cliff face overlooking the confluence of three rivers. Return to Chengdu in the evening.
- Day 8
Chengdu to Zhangjiajie
After breakfast, take a morning flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to prepare for the mountain adventures ahead.
- Day 9
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Enter Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take the Bailong Elevator up to Yuanjiajie to see the famous Avatar Hallelujah Mountains and the First Bridge Under Heaven.
- Day 10
Tianmen Mountain
Ascend Tianmen Mountain via the world’s longest cable car. Walk the thrilling glass skywalk clinging to the cliff face and visit the natural Tianmen Cave arch.
- Day 11
Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge
Visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and walk across the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge suspended over a breathtaking gorge.
- Day 12
Fly to Shanghai
Take a morning flight from Zhangjiajie to Shanghai. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to relax or begin exploring at your own pace.
- Day 13
Shanghai Highlights
Visit the Oriental Pearl Tower, explore the historic Yuyuan Garden, walk along Nanjing Road, and end the day with a Huangpu River cruise for spectacular skyline views.
- Day 14
Shanghai Free Day
Enjoy a full free day in Shanghai. Explore the French Concession, visit museums, shop, or simply soak up the city’s atmosphere at your own pace.
- Day 15
Departure from Shanghai
After breakfast, transfer to Pudong International Airport for your departure flight.
The fine print, made simple
Cost &
what’s included
What’s included
- Guided sightseeing throughout
- 4-star hotel accommodation (14 nights)
- High-speed train journeys and domestic flights between cities
- Admission tickets to all listed sites
- Meals — Breakfast (14), Lunch (10), Dinner (5)
- Airport pickup on arrival and departure transfers
Good to know
- Pickup. Yes — Capital Airport, Shunyi, Beijing 101300. The driver waits at the arrival hall with a sign showing the lead traveler’s name.
- Gratuities. Not included.
- Cancellation. Full refund up to 6 days in advance of the experience.
- Accessibility. Wheelchair accessible, stroller accessible, with wheelchair-accessible transport and surfaces.
- Confirmation. Within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
Before you go
Frequently asked
questions
Which cities does this tour include?
Beijing, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, and Shanghai.
What makes this a ‘rail journey’?
The tour uses China’s high-speed rail network for inter-city travel wherever possible, offering a comfortable, scenic, and eco-friendly way to see the country. Only the Chengdu–Zhangjiajie and Zhangjiajie–Shanghai legs use flights due to route constraints.
What meals are included?
The tour includes Breakfast (14), Lunch (10), and Dinner (5). Gratuities are not included.
Is the Zhangjiajie hike difficult?
The park offers a range of trails from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. Your guide will adjust the route to suit the group’s fitness level.
Will I see pandas up close?
Yes! The Chengdu Panda Breeding Center allows excellent viewing of pandas at close range, especially in the morning when they are most active.
When will I receive confirmation?
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
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unforgettable.
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